How to Cut a Dog's Hair Without Getting Bit

Are you tired of Ralphie boy trying to take a chunk out of you every time you need to cut his hair? Is a muzzle the first thing you reach for when it's time for a monthly trim? Or have you simply given up on being able to cut his hair and started paying for a professional groomer to do the job for you? While this type of behavior may be common in many breeds, it is no way acceptable. To start out, you need to try and find out why Ralphie feels the way he does about grooming. Only then can you move on to training him not to act this way. 

You might not know it, but Ralphie has a much better memory than most people give him credit for. If at any time Ralphie has been mistreated by a groomer, this would be enough to cause him significant anxiety when he sees you with the clippers or shears in your hands. 

• The calmer you remain, the more this will help keep your dog calm during hair cut time.
  
• Be sure the clippers and shears you plan to use have good sharp blades. Dull blades tend to rip hair out of his skin, which can be quite painful and lead to infections.
  
• Keep in mind that older dogs may be dealing with arthritis pain which can lead to biting.
  
• If you suspect your dog is biting as a result of pain, make a visit to your vet to try to get to the root of the problem.
• Give poor your pup lots of time to get used to the tools of the trade before you use them to cut his hair.
  
• A regular grooming schedule will help your dog become accustomed to the process, which in turn should reduce his anxiety and desire to turn you into his personal chew toy. 
  

Teaching Ralphie to relax at grooming time and stop biting everyone can take a little time. The trick, is that you need to be patient with him and to a certain extent, let him set the pace. Be sure to praise him and give him some of his favorite treats to let him know he is doing a great job.